Texas Tech enters the 2026 season in unfamiliar territory. The Red Raiders aren't a sleeper. They aren't a cute dark-horse pick. They aren't trying to convince anyone they belong.
They're No. 12 in the country, defending Big 12 champions and coming off the first College Football Playoff appearance in program history.
MORE: How to Watch No. 12 Texas Tech vs. Abilene Christian: Red Raiders Return Motivated as Ever
That changes everything.
Texas Tech went 12-2 last season, finished 8-1 in Big 12 play, hammered BYU 34-7 in the conference championship game and reached the CFP before Oregon ended the run with a 23-0 quarterfinal shutout.
Now Joey McGuire wants more.
"Winning the Big 12, I think that's the bare minimum," McGuire said.
That's a pretty strong statement for a program that had never won the Big 12 before last season.
But that's where the standard is now.
The first test comes Saturday night when Texas Tech hosts Abilene Christian at sold-out Galaxy Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Central on FS1.
Much of the attention will be on quarterback Will Hammond, who takes over as QB1 after a knee injury ended his 2025 season early.
McGuire says Hammond has been fully cleared and has taken every first-team rep during camp.
"He's in great shape, he's fully released," McGuire said. "We're gonna go out there and let him spin it."
Texas Tech also brings back the foundation of a defense that was among the nation's best last season.
The Red Raiders led the FBS with 32 takeaways and ranked in the top five nationally in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense. They allowed just 68.1 rushing yards per game, the best mark in the country.
There are losses to replace, including six defensive players selected in the NFL Draft, but depth is one reason McGuire remains bullish on this roster.
The opener should provide an early look at whether that depth is real.
Abilene Christian nearly shocked Texas Tech in 2024, losing 52-51 in overtime, so the Red Raiders don't need a reminder that an FCS opponent can make things uncomfortable.
MORE: Texas Tech Faces Its Newest Ring of Honor Member in Season Opener
Still, this season isn't really about surviving Week 1. It's about whether Texas Tech can handle being hunted. Last year, the Red Raiders broke through.
In 2026, anything short of another Big 12 title and serious CFP contention may feel like a step backward.
